Getting To the Far Side of a Challenging Moment
- davidwperk
- May 30
- 6 min read
Devotional Reflection, Friday, May 30, 2025
The week of the sixth Sunday of Easter
The Rev. David W. Perkins, Th.D.
Key phrases for reflection from today’s Gospel reading:
28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
(You will find the full text of today’s Gospel reading at the end of this reflection.)
Daily Office Lectionary readings (BCP, 962)
AM Psalm 85, 86; PM Psalm 91, 92
Ezekiel 1:28-3:3; Heb. 4:14-5:6; Luke 9:28-36
Today we celebrate the Feast of Joan of Arc. (See below.)
David's Reflections
In this story Jesus, confronted by his impending rejection and death in Jerusalem, prayed with such intensity that his appearance changed. He took with him, Peter and the brothers James and John, the same three whom he would take into the Garden the night of his betrayal. Studies of great artists, poets, and musicians have documented their changed appearance when the creative spirit of inspiration was upon them. And, studies of the lives of saints and mystics have shown that their intense devotions often involve physical transformation and glowing countenance.
Moses and Elijah, representative of the first two divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures, Law and Prophets, appeared with Jesus. His life and sufferings were to fulfill the hopes and promises of the Hebrew Scriptures, although Jesus had to lead the community to reread their Scriptures to discover that revelation. Moses and Elijah conversed with Jesus of his exodus at Jerusalem. His rejection, death, and resurrection would effect our freedom and deliverance just as the Hebrews were delivered from Egypt by the death of the Passover lambs.
As G. B. Caird so trenchantly observed: "At Jerusalem Jesus was to accomplish the New Exodus, leading God's people from a greater bondage than that of Egypt into the promised land of the kingdom. Like Moses of old, he was now standing on the brink of a great sea, the ocean of iniquity through which he must pass and in which he must accomplish another baptism (12:50.)*
Jesus guides us now in how to live. When faced with crisis, his example calls us to turn to God in prayer. But, we do not pray alone, As Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him, we can include trusted friends of faith and seek their support. Again, following Jesus’ example, we face our crisis squarely, knowing that the worst possible outcome could be ours. Yet, if we persist in faith and in living faithfully, others will take courage by watching our lives and find greater freedom themselves.
Jesus’ life not only serves as example. He lived the life God intends for all of us. As the pioneer (an image from the letter to the Hebrews), Jesus blazes the way for us to live. His grace empowers us to that life. We will find ourselves after death elevated to the heavenly places, transformed into his likeness (1 Jn. 3:1-3)..
God will see us through to the other side of the sea of chaos. As Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus from the unseen world, the sweet love of that world will embrace us, transform us, and steel us for whatever future may come. We will take courage from the examples of those who have shown us the way, both in our immediate circle and as recorded in Scripture and church history.
I have found ongoing light and strength from one particular blessing, and when I share it with others they seem to find God’s grace there as well. “May the God who goes before you through desert places by night and by day be your companion and guide; may your journey be with the saints; may the Holy Spirit be your strength, and Christ your clothing of light, in whose name we pray. Amen.” +
*G. B. Caird, St. Luke: The Pelican New Testament Commentaries (New York: Penguin, 1983), pp. 132-133.
+Enriching Our Worship 2: Ministry With the Sick or Dying: Burial of a Child (New York: Church Publishing, 2000), p. 39.
Collect of the Day, Sixth Sunday of Easter
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP, 225)
Collect of the Weekdays of Easter
Almighty God, you show the light of your truth to those who are in error, to the intent that they may return to the way of righteousness: Grant to those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s religion that they may avoid those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to it; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Weekday Eucharistic Propers, p. 64)
Today we celebrate the Feast of Joan of Arc, visionary (died 14 May 1431 CE).
Collect of the Feast of Joan of Arc
Holy God, whose power is made perfect in weakness: we honor you for the calling of Jeanne d’Arc, who, though young, rose up in valor to bear your standard for her country, and endured with grace and fortitude both victory and defeat; and we pray that we, like Jeanne, may bear witness to the truth that is in us to friends and enemies alike, and, encouraged by the companionship of your saints, give ourselves bravely to the struggle for justice in our time; through Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Collect for Fridays
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(BCP, 97)
For the Parish
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 817)
A Prayer for Light
Almighty God, we give you thanks for surrounding us, as daylight fades, with the brightness of the vesper light; and we implore you of your great mercy that, as you enfold us with the radiance of this light, so you would shine into our hearts the brightness of your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 110)
A Collect for Mission
Merciful God, creator of all the peoples of the earth and lover of souls: Have compassion on all who do not know you as you are revealed in your Son Jesus Christ; let your Gospel be preached with grace and power to those who have not heard it; turn the hearts of those who resist it; and bring home to your fold those who have gone astray; that there may be one flock under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 280)
Daily Office Gospel, Luke 9:28-36
28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’ —not knowing what he said. 34While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ 36When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
Daily Prayer Offices in The Book of Common Prayer
Morning Prayer, Rite 2, page 75, Book of Common Prayer
Noonday Prayer, p. 103, Book of Common Prayer
Order of Worship for Evening (Vespers), p. 109, Book of Common Prayer
Evening Prayer, Rite 2, page 115, Book of Common Prayer
Compline (Night Prayer), Page 127, Book of Common Prayer
Daily Devotionals, page 136, Book of Common Prayer
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